Hello,

My name is Jim Gunnuscio. I was born and raised in Utah. My family had a farm on Porters Lane in Centerville. We lived in one of the four farm houses on that street. I loved having all the farm animals around, as they were my playmates. I have one older brother who is fifteen years older than me. He passed away three years ago. After my parents sold the farm, we moved to Bountiful, in a newly developed neighborhood, which was a lot different than living on a farm.

I went to J. A. Taylor Elementary, Orchard Elementary, Adelaide Elementary, South Davis JR High School, and Woods Cross High School and graduated from Viewmont High School in 1976. I have lived in Southern California, in the Long Beach area, for two years. After graduating from high school, I went to Westminster College for two years, focusing on social work.

I met the love of my life, MaryAnn Pearce, while working at the old department store Grand Central on 9^th South and State Street. We were married in December 1979. We have made our home in Woods Cross for the last 40 years. We have been blessed with seven children. There are three boys and four girls. We have eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, soon to be three in February. Our second-to-youngest daughter, Joanie, passed away when she was five.



Most of my working career has been in sales and marketing in the medical area of business. In 2007, the Lord impressed upon me to go into full-time ministry. I first audited classes at the Salt Lake Theological Seminary. I enrolled in the program at the Vine Institute. There, I earned my certification in Christian leadership. I was enrolled in the Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and completed all classes for lay ministry and biblical teaching. I received my Ordination in Christian Commissioning in Pulpit Ministry and Chaplaincy from the Church of the Risen Christ in 2016.

I have served in ministry for the past forty years on a volunteer basis, many times serving along with my wife, MaryAnn. Child life is at Primary’s Children’s Hospital, Rocky Care Center in Bountiful. Make Wish Foundation as a wish granter and Family Promise Homeless Program as board chairman. I have worked as a chaplain and a bereavement counselor for the last six years. I have served as a care ministry leader at Abundant Life Church and on the Reach team at Bridge Community Church.

I look forward to this next chapter of my life as my wife, and I will become part of the family of believers at First Baptist Church in Bountiful. I feel it is a blessing to be called to be their interim pastor, and I want to be able to assist the church in reaching their vision for the future. I also want to be able to share the love of Christ with the community.

I enjoy fishing, hiking, gardening, and cooking. Coming from an Italian heritage, spending time with my family is one of the blessings the Lord gives me on a daily basis.

Blessings,

Pastor Jim